Chav Storms Pitch in Wessex League Brawl
Drama erupted at the Wessex League Premier Division clash in Copnor when a Fareham Town fan decided to take matters into his own hands. Decked out in an Icon baseball cap and skin-tight jeans, the spectator, described as having a “face like a smacked arse,” squared up to Moneyfields defender Tom Cain during the second half.
Pitch Invasion Sparks Quick Ejection
Photographer Dave Bodymore, who caught the chaos on camera, said: “It’s not just the professional game where fans think they can go after players.” The fan brazenly jumped over the safety railing that runs along the clubhouse side. A second spectator then rushed onto the pitch to try and calm things down.
Referee James Byng quickly ordered both intruders off the field, with stewards escorting them out fast. “In fairness to the Fareham Town players, they did usher their supporters off the pitch,” Bodymore added.
Clubs Respond, Hope to Avoid FA Punishment
Moneyfields chairman Pete Seiden described the incident: “It all happened so quickly. There were some handbags between two players, then a spectator evaded a steward and jumped onto the pitch. It was dealt with very quickly. The spectators were asked to leave the ground, and they left the ground.”
Seiden praised the club’s 20 unpaid volunteer stewards at Dover Road, who work various roles and patrol the ground throughout matches.
When asked about potential FA fines, Seiden said: “I would hope not. We did all we could to get everything sorted quickly.” Moneyfields secretary Joe Albertella added: “It’s the first time I’ve known anything like this happen. We had the same amount of stewards for games with bigger crowds and no trouble.”
Fareham Town confirmed they will handle the matter internally. Secretary James Craskell was unavailable for comment, and first-team manager Pete Stiles declined to speak on the incident.
